Yorkshire Derby: Rotherham United Preview vs Sheffield United (H)

Rotherham United will welcome near South Yorkshire neighbours Sheffield United to the AESSEAL New York Stadium on Saturday lunchtime in front of the TV Cameras.

The Millers head into the clash against the Blades unbeaten in five games after taking a point away from Ewood Park in their last outing prior to the international break.

During the run of five games in which they are unbeaten, Paul Warne’s side have drawn four games winning the other one.

The last game at the AESSEAL New York Stadium saw Rotherham record victory over Swansea City winning 2-1 thanks to two second half penalties from on-loan QPR midfielder Ryan Manning.

Speaking ahead of the game to the clubs iFollow service Paul Warne gave an update on defender Sean Raggett, who last featured for the Millers in September having being injured, and Warne said: “He’s good. He’s hit a couple in training, so he’s back to normal. The reserve game was a little bit too soon. I was considering him, but the physios weren’t. He’s a loan player as well, so we have to be respectful of that.

He needs a game. He was enjoying being in the team and it was a big blow for him when he got injured and came out. It’ll be difficult to get back in but there’s no doubt he’ll jump over that hurdle like he has his injury.”

The Millers chief also confirmed that it’s not been too bad regarding injuries during the international break: “Touch wood it’s not been too bad. Other than Pottsy (Darren Potter) there’s not really anyone on the treatment table. That’s a testament to how they look after themselves.”

On team news for the Millers Warne said there are no issues and everyone are all really good and said the players have come back nice and refreshed ahead of the big South Yorkshire Derby on Saturday.

Rotherham boss Paul Warne also looked back on the reserves clash with Port Vale on Tuesday, a game in which Rotherham won 4-1 and revealed: “It’s good that we’ve got really good characters here. Wilesy did well, Matty Palmer was excellent and Procs (Jamie Proctor) and Fordey (Anthony Forde) did well. A lot of the lads stayed and watched, they’re all supportive of each other.”

Last Time We Met

The last meeting between Rotherham United and Sheffield United came in Sky Bet League One during the 2013/14 season.

The clash took place at the Blades’ Bramall Lane on 8th April 2014 with the hosts on the day winning 1-0 thanks to a 90th minute penalty from midfielder Ben Davies.

Earlier in the same season the Millers came out on top in the odd goal in four winning 3-1 at the AESSEAL New York Stadium thanks to goals from Kieran Agard, a penalty from Daniel Nardiello and Rob Milsom after Jose Baxter gave the Blades a 37th minute lead.

The Opposition

Sheffield United head into this encounter following a goalless draw with near City neighbours Sheffield Wednesday at Bramall Lane in a game which Blades forward David McGoldrick saw his penalty saved smartly by Sheffield Wednesday keeper Cameron Dawson.

Prior to the Steel City Derby for the Blades, they lost on the travels against Nottingham Forest, former Miller Lewis Grabban scoring the only goal of the game and they had picked up just 10 points from a possible 18 with wins against Blackburn Rovers, Hull City and Wigan Athletic whilst earning a point against Stoke City.

Chris Wilder’s men will be hoping to claim a first win on the road in three having lost their last two at Derby and Nottingham Forest respectively.

Prediction

Rotherham United have got a strong home record this campaign and I believe that they will continue with that against Sheffield United on Saturday with a big result which will shake up the promotion race with the Blades in the mix for promotion.